The Okna is the top choice here by a fair margin. It is one of the top 2 or 3 choices on the market IMO, and is held in universally high regard among professionals. The other two are above average IMO, but Okna is top tier. The best thing about comparing performance numbers is that they are all independantly tested, black and white, totally objective. Let them be your guide as they are very reflective of quality and performance.

+1

That is not a fair comparison for the PGT. The Okna will have better lines, performance, aesthetics, etc.

The Okna 5500 (new construction) is a great window in this application and works very well.

I have to agree with the okna comments. They make a solid window.
Personally, i think simonton is just ok on a good day and really cant compete with the higher grade vinyl window offerings out there today. Simonton is kind of lost and in my opinion has totally dropped the ball in terms of design features, air tightness, and energy efficiency. Not to mention, simonton make a very bulky window. Simonton do have a slimmer frame but its their lower end series which is a piece if junk. They may call it ' assure" or something like that. The 5500 is ok but as i said, lacks in alot of ways and its bulky.

This post was edited by doorproz on Tue, Oct 22, 13 at 10:13

Okay, so we were pretty much settled on the Okna 5500 (new construction version of the 500), but then got a quote that was about $5000 cheaper for the PGT 2160. Now we are not so sure, because that savings can be used elsewhere in our build. I know it sounds like the Oknas are a better window, but are they $5000 better ($16k v. $11k quote)?

How many windows?

Keep in mind that you will be amortizing this over 30 years. That delta will more than pay for itself with energy savings with the more energy efficient and air tight window.

Not to mention the hard to quantify "comfort factor".

It is about 35 windows--counting the doubles and triples as a singular window. If I break those out, it is around 51 or so.

Oh, also a sliding glass door as well.

Your only talking about less than $100 per unit average, I would go with the Okna if it were me as it is a considerably better window.

Thanks for all the input everyone. We ended up going with the Oknas. I think we will ultimately be very pleased with this decision.

Good choice!

One last thing, my builder saw the quote from Okna and pointed out that the new construction windows by Okna use wood jamb extensions. He seemed to think that was somehow an issueâ¦.not really sure what the issue isâ¦.most of the windows are being installed on 2x4 walls, with a few on a 2x6 wall. The wood jamb extensions are 4 9/16 for the 2x4 walls and 6 9/16 for the 2x6 walls. Is there any issue here? What am I not getting? I'm not sure what the standard is for other windows as I had not paid much attention to the jamb materials. Do other windows use vinyl jambs? Is there some disadvantage to the wood jamb?

No. I dont know what your builder is talking about. How can having a window come with an extension jamb be an issue, to me its an issue that he thinks its an issue, if that makes any sense..lol
Seriously, i never heard of such a thing.

I don't get what the issue would be either. I'd ask the builder to clarify his concerns... The two most common methods used are wood jamb extensions and drywall returns.

Thanks everyone!!! Going with the Okna's and not looking back.

Smart/ logical choice.

+1

I think you will be supremely happy with them in the end.